Evolocumab
Brand names: Repatha
Evolocumab is a subcutaneously injected monoclonal antibody (a PCSK9 inhibitor) used to lower LDL-cholesterol in primary hypercholesterolaemia, mixed dyslipidaemia and familial hypercholesterolaemia, and for cardiovascular risk reduction.
Adult dose
Dose auto-extracted from US FDA prescribing information (openFDA / DailyMed) — cross-check; US labelling may differ from UK — not yet clinician-verified. Always confirm against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.
Contraindications
- History of a serious hypersensitivity reaction to evolocumab or any of the excipients (serious hypersensitivity reactions including angioedema have occurred)
Side effects
- Nasopharyngitis
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Influenza
- Back pain
- Injection site reactions
- Diabetes mellitus (reported in patients with established cardiovascular disease)
Clinical monograph
How it works
It binds and inhibits proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), preventing degradation of hepatic LDL receptors so that more receptors recycle to the cell surface and clear LDL-cholesterol from the blood.
Prescribing in practice
- It is usually added to a maximally tolerated statin (with or without ezetimibe) rather than used alone, and is prescribed within NICE-defined LDL thresholds and risk categories.
- Given by self-administered subcutaneous injection that should be rotated between sites; injection-site reactions are the commonest adverse effect.
- Pre-filled pens require correct cold-chain storage and should be allowed to reach room temperature before injecting.
Monitoring
Check lipid profile to confirm LDL-cholesterol response, with routine review of adherence and injection technique.
Counselling the patient
- Rotate injection sites and expect occasional redness or soreness where you inject.
- Keep the pens in the fridge and let one warm to room temperature before use.
- Continue your statin and other heart medicines unless told otherwise.
Evidence & guidelines
NICE recommends PCSK9 inhibitors such as evolocumab for eligible patients, supported by the FOURIER trial showing reduced cardiovascular events.
Reference: FOURIER trial NEJM 2017; 376(18):1713-1722; NICE TA394; ESC/EAS Lipid Guidelines 2019; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. The structured dose values shown have been reviewed by a clinician. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Acute Heart Failure · ESC 2021 Heart Failure Guidelines; NICE NG106
- NSTEMI / Unstable Angina · ESC 2020 NSTEMI Guidelines; NICE NG185
- New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation · ESC 2020 AF Guidelines; NICE NG196
- Hypertensive Emergency · ESC/ESH 2018 Hypertension Guidelines; NICE NG136
- Bradycardia Management · Resuscitation Council UK ABCDE; ESC 2021 Pacing Guidelines
- Ventricular Tachycardia / Fibrillation · Resuscitation Council UK ACLS; ESC 2022 Ventricular Arrhythmia Guidelines